R18.8 – Other ascites

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code R18.8
Code
R18.8 (claims format: R188)
Description
Other ascites
Billable
Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
Valid for
Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter
18. Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
Block
R10-R19 Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
Parent codes
R18

Notes for R18.8

Applicable to:
  • Ascites NOS
  • Peritoneal effusion (chronic)

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

R18 – Ascites

Includes:
  • fluid in peritoneal cavity
Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • ascites in alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.31)
  • ascites in alcoholic hepatitis (K70.11)
  • ascites in toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis (K71.51)

Block R10-R19

Excludes2 (not included here):
  • congenital or infantile pylorospasm (Q40.0)
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage (K92.0-K92.2)
  • intestinal obstruction (K56.-)
  • newborn gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P54.0-P54.3)
  • newborn intestinal obstruction (P76.-)
  • pylorospasm (K31.3)
  • signs and symptoms involving the urinary system (R30-R39)
  • symptoms referable to female genital organs (N94.-)
  • symptoms referable to male genital organs (N48-N50)

Index terms for R18.8

Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:

Related codes in R18

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code R18.8?

R18.8 is the ICD-10-CM code for other ascites, in the block R10-R19 (Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen).

Is R18.8 a billable code?

Yes. R18.8 is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What category does R18.8 belong to?

It belongs to category R18 – Ascites.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.